CASS LAKE — Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe secretary/treasurer Leonard Fineday will now serve in a leadership position in the National Congress of American Indians.
Fineday was elected to serve as one of 12 regional vice presidents for the organization, representing the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in the Midwest region.
The Midwest Region includes 36 tribal nations across Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Of those states, Minnesota has the highest percentage of population identifying as America Indian or Alaska Native.
The 80-year-old NCAI is a nonprofit seeking to develop consensus on national priority issues impacting tribal sovereignty. Fineday will serve a two-year term in the role. An attorney who has served in positions in Leech Lake, White Earth and Red Lake, Fineday is also a member of the Cass Lake-Bena School Board.
-
Financial Controller Barb Baird said she brought the decision to the Council because other cities have been making similar moves.
-
K-9 Murphy left his yard and attacked the dog, which was leashed and on a walk with its owner, according to Grand Rapids police.
-
Crews responded to a structure fire in Lake Edward Township on May 12, 2026, and located the body of an 87-year-old man.
-
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Karl Sundquist, OWLER, The Miletici Trio, Eli Gardiner, Corey Medina, and Skarlett Woods.
-
In “The Creature’s guide to Caring,” science writer Elizabeth Preston uses examples of animal parenting to show how humans have evolved to care for each other.
-
Danish folk musician Kristian Bugge will join WB Reid to perform at the next Bemidji Contra Dance on May 16, 2026, in Solway.
-
During the week of May 12, 2026, we enjoy reports of migratory arrivals, spring azure butterflies, and leafing plants. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of May 12, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on drought tolerance in trees and the eruption of spring wildflowers.
-
The College of St. Scholastica, Bemidji State University and the Bemidji Long-Term Storm Recovery Group are launching a community-based research study to learn about how the 2025 derecho affected people.
-
As this week wears on, the bonding bill may become the Legislature’s main focus. When exactly that happens, largely depending on lawmakers resolving fraud and HCMC tax funding legislation, will help determine the package’s outcome.